Where can you have it all this fall? Clinton County!
Fests – check. Farms – check. Frights – check. Outdoor delights – check! And the list goes on.
Conveniently located between Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton – Clinton County is inviting. In fact, their motto is, “An open invitation.” You’re invited to check out the festivities, agritourism, spooky and outdoor destinations.
October festivities are as bountiful as the harvest. First up is the Fall Harvest Bash & the Great Pumpkin Bash featuring more than 30 acres of a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, live music, and other family-oriented activities. Don’t miss the pumpkin catapult!
Speaking of which, another crowd favorite is the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival. It may be obvious that it features giant slingshots chuckin’ pumpkins into the air. It also has delicious hot foods, desserts and plenty of hayride and corn maze fun.
In-between festivals, you can always stop by Ray Storer’s place otherwise known as Grandpa’s Pottery. The old barns are a pleasant setting where you can see a potter at his craft. He’ll hand throw a new creation while you wait. Storer’s pottery pieces have been featured and sold at the Cincinnati Art Museum and have been showcased at the Wilmington Pottery and Art Festival.
If you love horses, Clinton County is home to the Buckeye Draft Horse Show, Mid Ohio Dressage Horse Show, Central States Horse Show and the Country Heir Hunter Jumper Horse Show. If you love animals in general, put Horsefeathers Farm on your checklist of fall destinations (Open by appointment only). This is a rare experience. Under the sponsorship of the Cincinnati Zoo, Horsefeathers Farm specializes in the propagation of the endangered Parma Wallaby. You can get up close and even pet the animals. Other Australian animals that guests may interact with include the Emu and Island Bearded Dragon. This is the perfect country setting for a picnic by a pond with swans and a whole lot more. Please note that you must call 513-313-2470 in advance to schedule a visit.
October is also a time for crisp nighttime haunts! The Lantern Light Wagon Ride and Corn Maze are offered on Saturday nights along the old stone roads of a historical farm. Only lanterns light your way. Peer through ruins of what once were the tribal hunting grounds and the tracks of the “Old Sheepskin” line. You’re bound to cross paths with trappers, Indians, frontiersman and pioneer settlers eager to share some tales. This lantern ride is a family-friendly, historically based ghost tour.
If you’re looking to raise the hair on your neck, catch the Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride. There are three attractions at one location featuring Slaughter Hotel, Nightmare Asylum and fire breathing semis chasing unsuspecting victims through the fields. Perhaps you like to slow things down and enjoy the autumn season for its natural wonders. Cowan Lake State Park has hiking trails through the spectrum of color as trees shed their leaves. The lake offers boating, sailing, and fishing. The water may be cold but the beaches are still great for a fall stroll. Campfires and cottages bring family and friends closer to S’mores and stories. The Cowan Lake Fall Campout offers a kids costume contest, movie and popcorn at the shelter house and a campsite contest. Categories for the campsite contest are scariest, best use of lights, best theme or special effects. All weekend long there are contests, games, activities, music, wagon rides and even a pet costume contest. Kids can trick or treat too.
If the evenings become too crisp, take in a hot show at the historic Murphy Theatre in downtown Wilmington. Its old-fashioned, grand marquee still casts its light after 100 years. Legends played in the ornate theatre, rich in architecture and pageantry. In the fall, guests can look forward to a variety of modern acts and movies.
